01
servieren
to serve
To bring food or drinks to the table and offer them to guests.
example
Der Kellner servierte uns die Getränke und nahm die Essensbestellung auf.
The waiter served us the drinks and took the food order.
servieren
to serve
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Dative and accusative object
'Servieren' (to serve) is often used with two objects: the person to whom something is given is in the dative, and the thing that is given is in the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Der Kellner serviert dem Gast den Wein.
The waiter serves the guest the wine.
Typical collocations
In the context of food and drink, 'servieren' (to serve) is often combined with adverbs that describe the manner of preparation, e.g., warm, cold, fresh, or with a particular side dish.
EXAMPLE
Der Fisch wird mit Salzkartoffeln serviert.
The fish is served with boiled potatoes.
Context clue: sports
When 'servieren' (to serve) is used in a sports context, it always means to put the ball into play (serve). You can recognize this meaning from words like 'Ball' (ball), 'Tennis' (tennis), or 'Volleyball' (volleyball).
EXAMPLE
Im Tennis ist es ein großer Vorteil, gut servieren zu können.
In tennis, being able to serve well is a big advantage.
Figurative use
In the figurative meaning, 'servieren' (to deliver/serve) is usually used with unpleasant, abstract nouns. It describes how someone conveys a negative message or decision.
EXAMPLE
Eiskalt servierte sie ihm die Nachricht, dass sie ihn verlassen würde.
Coldly, she delivered the news to him that she would leave him.
Compare with
servieren vs reichen
to hand / to suffice
'reichen' and 'servieren' can both mean that one person gives something to another, especially at the table. 'reichen' is more general: you give someone something by hand, often over a short distance. This could be a glass, a pen, or a plate. 'servieren' is used specifically for food and drinks when they are offered to guests or customers. In a restaurant or at a meal, 'servieren' sounds more precise. If you are just quickly handing something over, 'reichen' fits better.
servieren
Die Kellnerin serviert den Gästen frischen Fisch mit Gemüse.
The waitress serves the guests fresh fish with vegetables.
reichen
Kannst du mir bitte das Salz reichen?
Could you please hand me the salt?
In real life
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